Author: Madison Julius Cawein
In the frail hepaticas, - That the early Springtide tossed, Sapphire-like, along the ways Of the woodlands that she crossed, - I behold, with other eyes, Footprints of a dream that flies. One who leads me; whom I seek: In whose loveliness there is All the glamour that the Greek Knew as wind-borne Artemis. - I am mortal. Woe is me! Her sweet immortality! Spirit, must I always fare, Following thy averted looks? Now thy white arm, now thy hair, Glimpsed among the trees and brooks? Thou who hauntest, whispering, All the slopes and vales of Spring. Cease to lure! or grant to me All thy beauty! though it pain, Slay with splendor utterly! Flash revealment on my brain! And one moment let me see All thy immortality!
Type of Poem: Lyric Poem
Date Written:
Date Published:
Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Publisher:
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Comments/Notes: This lyrical poem beautifully weaves a narrative of pursuit, desire, and longing through the use of vivid nature imagery and classical allusion. The poem's subject is an elusive, immortal being, equated with the Greek goddess Artemis, who is constantly pursued but never fully seen or known. With this theme, the poem explores the dichotomy of mortality and immortality, as well as the human yearning for the divine, the eternal, and the unattainable.
The poem's tone is one of melancholic longing and awe. The imagery used is evocative and intimate, as the speaker journeys through the woodland "slopes and vales of Spring", following the "footprints of a dream" that is ever out of reach. The speaker's desire for full revelation - "Flash revealment on my brain!" - hints at a yearning for transcendence or enlightenment, even if it causes pain or death. This is expressed through the impactful use of exclamation points and imperative verbs.
Structurally, the poem is comprised of four quatrains, each with a consistent ABAB rhyme scheme, lending it a rhythmic, song-like quality. The use of enjambment throughout the poem effectively propels the narrative forward, mirroring the speaker's relentless pursuit. Additionally, the use of the dash at the ends of lines helps to create a sense of suspense and anticipation.
In terms of literary devices, the poet uses personification (the early Springtide that "tossed" the hepaticas), simile (the flowers are "sapphire-like"), and allusion (to the Greek goddess Artemis), which enrich the poem's vivid imagery and deepen its thematic resonance. The repetition of "immortality" in the final lines of the second and last stanzas reinforces the central theme and leaves a lasting impression on the reader.
Lyric poetry is a powerful and intimate form of expression, characterized by its focus on the personal emotions and thoughts of the poet. Often musical in nature, lyric poems resonate with readers through their vivid language and rhythmic flow, capturing moments of intense feeling.
Here are some key characteristics that define lyric poetry:
From ancient odes to contemporary free verse, lyric poetry remains a beloved and enduring form, celebrated for its ability to articulate the nuances of human emotion in a way that resonates deeply with readers.